From the Field

My body is unmistakably in Bakersfield but my heart and thoughts are still very much in Swaziland. I called the Cherish team last week to find out how things were going. It’s so fun to hear their voices and laughter especially when they are laughing at me in my quickly-fading siSwati…

This school term (September – December) is extremely busy for the students because of exams and makes it next to impossible to meet for Bible Study on a regular basis. I know with God all things are possible but if we are going to do something let’s do it well and it’s done best in January through August. 

For the Cherish team this means they are only going to the schools on Fridays, visiting each school now once a month. When the team goes they give each girl a hand written note encouraging them on their exams and they meet, encourage, talk and pray with the girls in the Cherish groups. On one school visit the team was informed that two more leaders have fallen pregnant. I tried to brainstorm ideas of what we could do to avoid this but Zabiba, a member of the team, assured me “this is a spiritual attack”. 

Please Pray with us. Lord, I pray that the Cherish members would be strong in you and your mighty power. I pray they would put on your full armor so they may take their stand against the devil’s schemes. Their struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Eph. 6:10-13) but Christ you disarmed these powers and authorities, and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross (Col 2:15).  We proclaim your victory in the lives of those whom you live in in Swaziland.

Lord we pray for the girls who have fallen into temptation and fallen pregnant. May they approach your throne of grace with confidence, so that they may receive mercy and find grace to help them in their time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

So what are the girls doing besides Fridays? They are going to the AIM (Adventures in Missions) care points (community centers where orphans and vulnerable children can come and receive food). There is already a team doing discipleship (the D-team) with the children at the carepoints but the CHERISH team is now meeting with the older girls. They are currently getting to minister to 51 young women. Praise God!! It just shows again, that God will accomplish His purposes and He doesn’t need any of us. He’s still furthering His Kingdom in Swaziland with the young women and I’m not there – Praise Him!

**I call the team regularly to ask them questions to see how they are doing. Are there any questions you have for the team?**